15 Fun Things to Do in Chippewa Falls Wisconsin in 2025
Ready to find some fun things to do in Chippewa Falls Wisconsin?
You’ve come to the right article because there are a lot of hidden gems in our little
corner of Northern Wisconsin. Chippewa Falls’s location in northern Wisconsin puts it in
a prime location for outdoor adventure, wineries and breweries, and other fun things to
do in the area.
Despite being a small town of only 15,000, Chippewa Falls has earned some notable
pop-culture references. Some may remember Chippewa Falls as being the hometown
of the fictional character Jack Dawson from Titanic in 1997.
While many out-of-towners visit Chippewa Falls for the large annual state fair or to see
live performances, there are many other fun things to do while you’re in Chippewa Falls.
Having lived in Wisconsin for years, I’ve been lucky to spend lots of time exploring fun
things to do in Chippewa Falls. I’ve compiled this guide to help you enjoy this beautiful
region in my home state as much as I do.
So, let’s chat about the 15 most fun things to do in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin! (Psst..
scroll to the end for a bonus fun thing to do with kids in Chippewa Falls!)
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Fun Things to Do in Chippewa Falls Wisconsin
Here are 15 of the most fun things to do in Chippewa Falls that you don’t want to miss during your visit.
1. Try Unique Flavored Spirits at the Chippewa River Distillery
PRICE: $10 each | BEST FOR: Friends & Couples | HOW FUN? 9/10
The Chippewa Falls Distillery is located in a historic, rustic building in downtown
Chippewa Falls, right on the river.
Although it specializes in vodka drinks, there are also local beers on tap and a rooftop
bar with views of the surrounding land and the river.
The whiskeys and vodkas at the Chippewa Valley Distillery come in a variety of funky
flavors that are uncommon anywhere else, such as blueberry, lemon meringue,
jalapeno lemonade, strawberry truffle, and many others.
In the summer evenings, you can enjoy your fun flavored drinks with sunsets on their
rooftop patio, and in the winter you can sit by the cozy fireplace inside.
Regardless of the time of year you visit, the Chippewa Falls Distillery makes for a fun
afternoon or evening with friends and significant others.
2. See a Show at Heyde Center for the Arts
PRICE: $50 per person | BEST FOR: Families & Couples | HOW FUN? 9/10
Seeing a show at the Heyde Center in town, which is run by the Chippewa Valley
Cultural Association, allows for a fun night out where you can dress up and enjoy a
variety of performing arts.
The Heyde Center is a beautiful historic building with live performances and even art
classes. They offer combos that include a meal and a show, which would make for a fun
evening out with friends or a significant other.
The theater is a small venue with an intimate setting that draws out-of-towners from
miles away to see plays, comedy shows and live band performances.
From the windows of the Heyde Center, you can also get a beautiful panoramic view of
Chippewa Falls.
Events are happening almost every day at the Heyde Center. Visit their website and
search according to your interest (theater, visual arts, music or comedy) to see what is
happening the month that you’ll be in Chippewa Falls.
3. See Exotic Animals at the Irvine Park Zoo
PRICE: FREE | BEST FOR: Families & Couples | HOW FUN? 9/10
Irvine Park Zoo covers over 318 acres of wilderness that houses exotic wildlife such
as tigers, cougars, bobcats, bears, and many others.
Irvine Park Zoo is a historic zoo founded over 100 years ago, in 1906. Today it runs
exclusively on private donations.
Unlike many other zoos, Irvine Park is completely free to the public and is a great
place to spend an afternoon watching the animals and enjoy a fun day outside.
There are playgrounds, picnic tables, nature trails shaded with old-growth trees, and
streams. There are even some secluded waterfalls in the back of the park.
Irvine Park Zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
4. Hit Up a Local Bar
PRICE: $20 per person | BEST FOR: Friends & Couples | HOW FUN? 9/10
Even for a small town, Chippewa Falls has a great nightlife scene that makes it an
awesome spot to enjoy a fun night out with friends and loved ones.
There are over two dozen bars and pubs in downtown Chippewa Falls. Many serve
craft beers, cocktails, good food and even host live music on weekends.
The most popular fun places to hang out with friends in town are Burley’s, The Brass
Lantern Pub and Grill and Sweeny’s Pub & Grub.
For a cozy, intimate small-town bar experience, head to Rookie’s Pub. There are pool
tables, dart boards and other bar games.
Insider Tip: West Hill Bar & Grill serves the best homemade pizza in town!
5. Hunt for Treasures at Collective Charm
PRICE: FREE | BEST FOR: Friends & Couples | HOW FUN? 7/10
Go on a search for rare gems at Collective Charms, the only antique store in
Wisconsin. Visiting Collective Charms is a fun way to allow you to get a glimpse into the
area’s past.
Collective Charm provides a well-maintained, fun shopping experience with a large floor
space and aisles of items from lifetimes ago. You could become engrossed walking
around looking at all the treasures from different generations.
Collective Charms is more than just a store – it contributes to Chippewa Falls’ art scene
by hosting art classes. They’ve hosted workshops in mosaic and stained glass-making,
as well as ring-making workshops.
Visit their website to see what’s in store.
Collective Charm is open 7 days a week, from 10 am to 5 pm, with shortened Sunday
hours.
6. Get a Bird’s Eye View of the Chippewa Valley
PRICE: $150 per person | BEST FOR: Friends & Couples | HOW FUN? 10/10
Skydive Wissota is eager to offer you a once-in-a-lifetime, thrilling experience. With their
staff members, many of whom have 35 years of experience, you get personalized
attention and are more than just a number when you book lessons or tandem dives.
The staff at Wissota Skydive are known for being friendly, welcoming, professional and
knowledgeable. You’re in good hands!
Skydive Wissota is open on Wednesdays, and from Friday through Sunday.
Good to Know: While walk-ins for tandem jumps are accepted, they aren’t guaranteed.
If you want to do a tandem jump, it’s best to arrange it with Skydive Wissota in advance
by calling the Dropzone Clubhouse at (715) 726-1616 or emailing them at:
info@skydivewissota.org
7. Grab an Ice Cream Cone from Olson’s Ice Cream
PRICE: $8 per person | BEST FOR: Families, Friends & Couples | HOW FUN? 9/10
Olson’s is an old-fashioned ice cream parlour that also serves coffee and sandwiches.
This is a family-owned for generations parlour where the ice cream is churned on-site
and hand-scooped. There is a lot of variety in their rich flavors. You can find flavors like
black cherry, pumpkin cheesecake, banana, and chocolate mint.
Olson’s is so popular that there are now two locations in Chippewa Falls – in the north
end and south end. They’re open every day from 11 am to 8:30 pm, so be sure to stop in
for a sweet treat!
8. Do a Wine Tour
PRICE: $20 per person | BEST FOR: Couples & Friends | HOW FUN? 9/10
Doing a wine tour in Chippewa allows you to enjoy the view of the rolling hills of
the Chippewa Valley as you munch on charcuterie and sample local wines that
are made from grapes harvested on-site.
Wine tours are a fun thing to do for couples, but also groups of friends visiting
Chippewa Falls.
There are two wineries in Chippewa Falls that I’d recommend for a wine tour:
- Riverbend Vineyard and Winery: Riverbend is a small, family-owned winery
that serves wines, cocktails and even some spirits. In the summer, there’s often a
food truck on site. Riverbend has a down-to-earth atmosphere where staff will
take the time to teach you about the essence of each wine that you try. - Dixon’s Autumn Harvest Winery and Orchard: Dixon’s Winery has both
indoor and outdoor seating in a beautiful area overlooking rolling fields of trees
and corn. The relaxed atmosphere with a friendly atmosphere gives you the
chance to truly unwind and have fun with friends.
9. Celebrate Oktoberfest
PRICE: $18 per person | BEST FOR: Friends, Couples & Families| HOW FUN? 10/10
If you’re going to be in Chippewa Falls in late summer, you should head to the annual
Oktoberfest which is held over a weekend in mid-September.
Oktoberfest is a family-friendly event, and people of all ages are welcome. It kicks off
with a party on Friday night, followed by a fair that runs all weekend long.
There’s live entertainment, a vendor market, dancing, and lots of authentic German
delights, like pretzels and beer.
Free shuttles are provided to the Oktoberfest grounds for anyone within 15 miles of the
fairgrounds, and on-site parking is free. You can buy your wristband online ($12 per person per day, or $18 for the whole weekend) and pick it up in person when you get to
the fair.
10. Have a Blast at the Northern Wisconsin State Fair
PRICE: $20 per person | BEST FOR: Families & Couples | HOW FUN? 9/10
Every summer, Chippewa Falls hosts the Northern Wisconsin State Fair for several
days in July or August.
The fair is full of fun for people of all ages – a foodie’s paradise with lots of food options,
such as old-fashioned lemonade stands, corn on the cobs, and the iconic fair cream
puffs.
There are also countless rides ranging from high thrill to easygoing, hundreds of
vendors, games, contests, live music, magicians and more.
There’s a campground next to the fairgrounds for people who travel from out of town. In
recent years, the fair has drawn close to 100,000 people state-wide.
Next summer, the Northern Wisconsin State Fair will run from July 10-14, 2024.
11. Get Out in Nature at Lake Wissota State Park
PRICE: $20 per person | BEST FOR: Families & Couples | HOW FUN? 9/10
Lake Wissota State Park covers over 1,000 acres of old-growth forests just north of
Chippewa Falls.
You can camp overnight or visit for a day. Activities include boating, fishing, bike riding
and hiking.
One of the best hiking trails in the state park is The Lake Wissota Loop, it borders the
lake with wooden walkways just by the water’s edge in some parts. The entire trail is 6.4
miles and takes just under 2 hours to walk the whole thing. However, you can do as
much or as little of the trail as you like.
To enter the Lake Wissota State Park, you’ll need a sticker for your vehicle which can
be purchased here.
Fun fact: In James Cameron’s 1997 film Titanic, the main character Jack Dawson
(played by Leonardo DiCaprio) tells a story about falling through the ice on Lake
Wissota and nearly freezing to death. Interestingly though, Lake Wissota didn’t form
until 1917, five years after the sinking of the Titanic.
12. Sample Hundreds of Candies at the Chippewa Candy Shop
PRICE: N/A | BEST FOR: Families & Couples | HOW FUN? 9/10
Satisfy your sweet craving at Chippewa Candy Shop, an old-fashioned family-owned
candy store in downtown Chippewa Falls which sells delicious soft-serve ice cream,
chocolates and candies.
The store is large and spacious, with aisles of more types of candy and sweets than you
can count. Get your fill of your favorites, and even try out some new ones.
The Chippewa Candy shop is open from 10 am to 8 pm every day.
13. Go for a Jog on the Ode Abe State Trail
PRICE: FREE | BEST FOR: Families & Couples | HOW FUN? 9/10
If you’re a nature enthusiast, you will love the Ode Abe State Trail.
It’s a paved, 28-mile trail that winds through abandoned railroad grade, farmland,
forest and the Chippewa River. It connects Lake Wissota State Park and Brunet Island
State Park.
You can see a lot of wildlife along the way, as well as some historic sights. There is a
long wooden pedestrian bridge over the water that is perfect for watching sunsets.
You can walk, rollerblade, or even cross-country ski on The Ode Abe State Trail in the
wintertime. The trail is also fully accessible and is wheelchair and stroller-friendly.
14. Paint Your Own Pottery
PRICE: $20 per person | BEST FOR: Families & Couples | HOW FUN? 9/10
Being an artsy town, there are a few places in Chippewa Falls where you can shop and
purchase locally-made pottery. Glaze N’ Glass Creations takes it a step further and provides a fun setting where you can paint your own pottery creations in the company
of family or friends.
You choose from a variety of ceramic items, such as mugs, plates or figurines, and can
explore your inner creativity by choosing colors and painting it exactly how you want.
Glaze N’Glass is popular for bachelorette parties, and birthday parties, but you can go
there even as a party of two and have lots of fun for an afternoon.
Walk-ins at Glaze N’Glass are welcome, but it is recommended that you make a
reservation if your party has 6 people or more.
Glaze N’ Glass Creations is right in the heart of Chippewa Falls and is open from
Wednesday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm.
15. Do a Tour of the Leinenkugel Brewery
PRICE: $15 per person | BEST FOR: Couples & Friends | HOW FUN? 9/10
The Jacob Leinenkugel Brewery is a fun touristy spot that is packed on weekends, and
open during the week. It has been running in Chippewa Falls for the past 158 years
and is family-owned through six generations.
Brewery tours are 1 hour long, and include a guide who will take you their their historic,
brick-wall interior building. The tours also include 5 oz tastings of some of their best
craft beers.
Aside from brewery tours, there are lots of fun things going on at the Leinenkugel
Brewery. The first Thursday of every month is pilot night, where you get to be the first to
try seasonal beers, give your opinion on additions to the beer, and even request tastings
for your favorite beer.
Occasionally, classes are offered on-site such as a charcuterie class where you learn to
assemble charcuterie boards.
There’s even a gift shop in the Jacob Leinenkugel brewery where you can shop for local
souvenirs.
The Leinenkugel Brewery is right downtown in Chippewa Falls. It opens daily at 10 am
and closes at 8 pm on weekends and 6 pm during the week.
16. (BONUS) Head to the Children’s Museum in Eau Claire
PRICE: $10 per person | BEST FOR: Families | HOW FUN? 9/10
If you’re visiting Chippewa Falls with kids, then you don’t want to miss this!
Consider heading to the Children’s Museum in Eau Claire. Eau Claire is the twin city of
Chippewa Falls and is only 13 miles (roughly a 20-minute drive) away.
There is a lot of interactive play that helps kids learn, as well as burn off some steam.
This children’s museum is fun for all ages; including adults! With your family, you can
experience what it’s like to be a beekeeper, firefighter, vet, farmer, mechanic, and even
a paleontologist.
The Children’s Museum of Eau Claire is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day but
closed on Wednesdays.
Is Chippewa Falls Worth Visiting?
Chippewa Falls is worth a visit. Although is a small community, it is full of the small-town
feel that many people look for in a fun and relaxing weekend getaway.
Chippewa Falls has a walkable downtown with idyllic boutique charm, decent nightlife,
annual celebrations and festivals, and many things to do with friends, couples, and
families.
Whether you’re looking for a fun night out with friends, nature activities, or exploring the
art scene, Chippewa Falls has a lot of options for things to do.
How Many Days in Chippewa Falls Wisconsin?
The town of Chippewa Falls would be a great weekend getaway from a Friday to a
Sunday. To have enough time to enjoy the town’s outdoor activities, art scene and
breweries, I would recommend spending at least 2-3 days in Chippewa Falls.
Chippewa Fall’s Twin City is Eau Claire and is only a 20-minute drive away. There are
also many distilleries and breweries and family-friendly things there too. If you want
enough time to visit Eau Claire as well, then I’d set aside at least 5 days in the area.
Best Time to Visit Chippewa Falls Wisconsin
The best times to visit Chippewa Falls are the summer and the fall.
Chippewa Falls is stunning during the fall season with the colorful leaves reflected in the
rivers and lakes, and there are many walking trails to enjoy the reds and oranges of the
foliage.
Summer is also a great time to visit Chippewa Falls, with the beautiful weather, and two
important and fun annual events – the Northern Wisconsin State Fair, and Oktoberfest.
Where to Stay in Chippewa Falls Wisconsin
Here are our recommendations for great places to stay in Chippewa Falls
Budget: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson: Great breakfast, indoor swimming pool with a hot tub, and only a 10-minute scenic drive from Lake Wissota.
Mid-Range: Cobblestone Inn & Suites: Features an indoor swimming pool and a restaurant on-site.
Luxury: Hampton Inn & Suites Chippewa Falls: Hot breakfast buffet, heated indoor pool, and only a 10-minute drive to the Leinenkugel Brewery.
Fun Things to Do in Chippewa Falls Wisconsin: FAQ
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about Chippewa Falls, and fun things to do in the area
Chippewa Falls is worth a visit for a weekend getaway as a family or with friends. While many out-of-towners come for the annual state fair, or to see a show at the arts center, Chippewa Falls has a lot of other fun activities to offer. There is a great nightlife scene and outdoor adventures.
Chippewa Falls is known for many things: the Chippewa River that it’s named after, the annual Northern Wisconsin State Fair, live performances at the Heyde Arts Center, and its historic breweries and distilleries.
Chippewa Falls has a few waterfalls nearby. The best waterfall near Chippewa Falls is called Big Falls and it’s located in Big Falls Country Park, about 25 minutes away from downtown Chippewa Falls.
Final Thoughts: Fun Things to Do in Chippewa Falls Wisconsin
Chippewa Falls, despite its size, is full of fun things to do, a lot of outdoor beauty and
interesting history.
Chippewa Falls has plenty in the way of natural beauty, partying and nightlife
(distilleries, wineries and breweries), shopping, food, and an artsy scene where you can
enjoy fine and performing arts, or get creative yourself.
Whether you’re looking for a night out with friends or some daytime activities, Chippewa
Falls has a lot of fun things to do for people of all ages.
We hope that this guide has helped you plan a fun and exciting few days in Chippewa
Falls, Wisconsin!
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